Need some hat etiquette 101 help...

[icot]

Hat etiquette is just not something you learn these days. Raising a man-child there's not much I can do or say to make burps and farts unfunny BUT I can at least have him know when he can and can't wear a hat!

So he's got a scouting thing tonight at a church, he cannot wear his hat in the church even if it isn't church, correct? Is it any public building (For some reason I remember that)? Many thanks!!

 

[donCarlos]

I guess it would be necessary (at least polite) to take the hat off... Church is always a church, even while not serving a mass.

But I have a similar question - what about shopping centres and public transport?

 

[Topper]

In Church a chap should never wear except if:

1) Clergy or
2) Military "and" on Guard ( e.g. lifeguards around monarch's coffin)


Also he should not have to do it himself - if in scouting the leader should give the command hats off as walking through the Vestibule / entrance to the church. Hats are permitted in the grounds but not inside.

 

[Mr. Turner]

Do you want the full set of 'rules' for hat etiquette or just in a church?

I actually had an 'argument' with my friend over this last week when we went into a church in New York.

 

[Mike in Seattle]

All of your answers and more are probably ALL here...

 

[Ugarte]

Icot, you're opening something of a can of worms here.

Traditional hat etiquette indicates that men remove headwear when entering a house of worship -- unless required by the denomination (e.g. yarmulke in a synagogue). In mosques and Sikh temples, all heads remain covered. In Catholic churches, I believe it is traditional, but perhaps not required for women to cover their heads.

A woman may wear a woman's hat (as opposed to, say, a cap) in church or in any other circumstances which otherwise dictate that men remove their hats under the "Women's Exception". This is because women's hats are generally much more elaborate and frequently incorporate her hairstyle making the simple removal and replacement of the hat impossible.

In an idea world, the scouts would be called to formation by the scoutmaster and while at attention, the command something like, "With the left hand . . . remove cover." But that may be asking a bit much for scouts. I think Topper makes a worthwhile suggestion.

The removal of hats generally is not so much a function of indoors vs. outdoors; it's more a matter of respect for ladies/elders and private space.

In places like lobbies, corridors, and crowded elevators (non-residential), a gentleman removes his hat. In a public building (where there are no apartments) the elevator is considered a public area and a hat may be removed or not, but if a lady enters the elevator, a gentleman is required to remove his hat.

Further, a gentleman takes off his hat and holds it in his hand when a lady enters the elevator in any building that can be classified as a dwelling such as an apartment house or hotel. He puts it on again in the corridor.

A public corridor is like the street, but an elevator in a hotel or apartment house has the character of a room in a house and there a gentleman does not keep his hat on in the presence of ladies.

Hats are removed for the National Anthem, passing of the Flag and funeral processions, outdoor weddings, dedications, and photographs. I personally like to see hats in photographs. Call me a heathen.

Removed hats are held in hand in such a way that only the outside and never the lining is visible.

Lots of rules, some not so clear. Hope this helps.

Mark
.

 

[icot]

Thanks all...

I guess I should clarify that it isn't really Boy Scouts, but similar. It's called Royal Rangers. I do believe Boy scouts have training about hat wearing.

It was an eye-opener tonight though, there were at least 4 OLDER guys (by older I simply mean mid 20's up. Those that should really know better!) wearing baseball caps in the sanctuary. Something I probably wouldn't have noticed if it weren't for this board.

I just want MY son to be wearing and NOT wearing his hat appropriately. Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated!